The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, founded in 1978, was formed as a result of marine mammals and sea turtles washing ashore sick and injured. Many of the animals are federally protected and are on the endangered species list. Rehabilitating injured and sick animals and releasing them back into the wild gives them another chance of survival. The Stranding Center is open to the public and through the years has seen thousands of visitors who get a first-hand look at the work done with the animals. Volunteers give tours of the facility and answer questions about the program.